My cousin took me to her Latter-day Saint ward for the first time when I was 14. I remember enjoying church, especially seeing all of the handsome missionaries. I was never baptized, however, because my parents thought it best I waited before making a big decision like that.
Life moved on, and I had my son when I was 18. I absolutely adore him, but by the time he was three, I was having a really rough time. I was a young single mom, overwhelmed by each day and scared about how the future would work out. I remember standing in my living room and telling God, “I need help. I just can’t do this anymore.”
I then walked outside to take my son to the park across the street. On our way there, two missionaries approached me and asked if we could talk. That was all it took, and I was baptized soon after.
I’ve never looked back. With the Latter-day Saints, I found people who accepted me, and the gospel of Jesus Christ has been the making of me.
A pivotal spiritual experience in my life has been playing Jane Manning James in the Nauvoo Pageant. I’ve held that role six times, and each time, my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith is reconfirmed. I know that he saw Jesus Christ. I know he saw Heavenly Father.
I also know that we have a prophet on earth today. That knowledge gives me the power to live my life without fear. I have a plate up on my wall with a verse from Doctrine and Covenants that says, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30). My friends often ask me how I am so calm living in this world, and it’s because I have confidence that by following the prophet, I will be prepared, no matter what happens. I am no longer afraid of life but live with purpose and joy.
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▶ The myth of searching for your ‘true self’
▶ Why living the gospel is about writing a script—not following one
▶ 2 words I hope my missionary never forgets
